No_way, I am having a difficult time trying to recollect my thoughts on the sequence of events that led to this rumble over a molehill. If you believe my explanation may help a newbie to avoid the pitfalls, then I would do my best. Initially I read a thread where a newbie proposed to chop the trunk of his 5/6 foot tree at the point 2 and 1/2 feet high to train as a bonsai. I could not name the person who replied and agreed that this could be a good start; now I can't even recall where the thread was. From the discussion, I had the impression that the people who were providing the info were leading the newbie up the wrong path: i.e. an exaggerated thickened trunk is the prime requisite for a bonsai. My first thread was made on 23 Oct in the title 'Miniaturizing a Live Oak', where I voiced my opinion why the trunk chop is not the best way in bonsai. Then this comment sort of irritated me : Posted by bonsaikc z5-6 KCMO (My Page) on Mon, Oct 30, 06 at 18:24 Wayne, You could not possibly be more wrong. The entire reply was horse crap! Someone spouting off about that which they know not. And I did voice my irritation subsequently. So I decided to learn more about those objectionable persons whom I am encountering. Bonsaikc is top on my list and naturally entered his home page. Right before my eyes the first pic of his bonsai provided the proof that the chop technique meant chop the main trunk and then train a leader as continuation. Thus followed the thread titled 'Commercialization of Bonsai'. Had anyone pointed out that that the chop meant a series of chops to develop a tapered look, then all this hazzle could have been avoided. I accept that I bear the major brunt of the blame as ignorance is no excuse. What I find hard to accept is the outright rudeness and the high and mighty attitude of some who thinks too highly of themselves and placing themselves on the high bench becomes over judgmental. I am sorry I have to state my feelings with such abruptness and bluntness. Hey, this is not the only forum in the world and if anyone finds any opinions objectionable then just don't read his thread. As simple as that.

I think kids' art looks really cute on the walls of their rooms. I have used the art clips from PBK in DS#1's room so that he can easily change out his work. I have also framed some things (very simple gallery type frames). I think rather than transfering an outline on to canvas, you should just let him go for it. If you really want a fish/sea life theme, you can guide him in that direction. And, if you would like to see certain colors included (ie. pastels vs. brights, etc.) then simply make those colors "available". Part (most) of the beauty of children's artwork is that it expresses how THEY see the world. It's wonderful to capture their pure imagination before they learn to do everything the "right way"! My 9-year-old DS still has a fingerpainting above his bed -which is simply his name in bright red paint - which he did at school when he was three. I mounted it on white foam board. It's lumpy and perfect! Have fun, Lucy

These are the instructions Slow posted for me.... oooops - I deleted a whole bunch of photos. MARQUEST: I've explained this technique so many times, but I'll try one more time for you. I make one layer of the diamond metal lath to form the sculpture, then add another layer of the lath. Then I use 17 gauge (19 gauge is better but I can't find it) wire to stitch it together. The two layers are important - the lath won't hold the concrete w/o the second layer. On the fountain tutorial I used three layers for the basin so it w/be sure and hold water. Every other structure, use two layers. You put nothing inside the structure. I mix Quikcrete mortar mix in a wheelbarrow to a nice consistency - roll it in a ball in your gloved hand. You lightly smooth the mixture in between the layers so you're not pushing it all the way through. Then take a wet paint brush to smooth it out on top. Be sure and clip your wire stitches close to the structure. I use lineman pliers to pull the stitches through and twist the stitch once and clip. When the mortar is dry - next day - take a concrete rasp to smooth out any warts. If your sculpture is nice and neat, you should have no problems. Bend, hammer, shape, cut darts to make it fit your shapes. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

How amazing! You did it so quick! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Now I'm going to make some big recipe cards that will fit in my folder. THANK YOU! l.marie